5th Grade

Mrs. Cheryl Burruel has been teaching at Ss. Simon and Jude since 1999. Her favorite memory is the annual field trip to the Andre House where Mass is celebrated outside, with all of the students, chaperones, and the homeless that gather. “This to me is truly what it means to celebrate Jesus.” Mrs. Burruel also remembers when her father passed away. “His funeral was at his parish, St. Clement of Rome, in Sun City. It flooded my heart to see the SSJ school bus arrive with my students to join with me at the Mass celebrating my father’s life. SSJ is truly a community!!”

Mrs. Mary Smith, ‘79, has been teaching at SSJ since 2003. Like Mrs. Burruel, one of her most special memories is taking her class on a field trip to the Andre House each year to sort donations. “The kids return with a great awareness of how fortunate they are, and they truly appreciate all of the blessings they have. The fifth grade year offers the students many exciting opportunities to work together, grow individually, and explore many learning environments. We have worked hard to unite the two classrooms as if they were one large family. Classroom lessons are coordinated between both teachers to ensure uniformity and consistency. Students may be separated physically by the wall between the two rooms; however, the students participate in most activities together. Our parties, field trips, special events, and many classroom activities are integrated which allow for the development of a close-knit community.”